Highlander is a safe bet, but another Toyota crossover has surpassed it
If you need a bit more space and seating capacity than the Toyota RAV4, the Highlander is the next step up in the Japanese brand’s range. Sales of the Highlander are down this year, but a lot of that has to do with the arrival of the larger, newer, and inexplicably cheaper Grand Highlander.
Still, if you need a third row and want a reliable crossover, the Highlander has to be on your shortlist. For what’s left of October, Toyota has lease deals on select 2025 Highlander trims. The recently introduced 2026 model is virtually unchanged, so you can save by opting for a 2025 example. Here’s a closer look at the numbers.
Toyota Highlander Lease Deals
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota
The 2025 Toyota Highlander’s lease price starts at $449 per month over 36 months, with $4,448 due at signing. That’s for the base LE trim that has been discontinued for the 2026 model year.
This Toyota Highlander leasing deal is based on covering 12,000 miles annually, but you’ll have to pay $0.18 for every mile beyond this limit. It excludes tax, title, license, registration fees, and any dealer options. The offer is available in AL, FL, GA, NC, and SC; similar offers may be available in other states, so your best bet is to check Toyota’s incentive page using your area’s zip code.
Toyota
If you’re after more features and better efficiency, the other October lease deal applies to the Highlander Hybrid XLE. This one goes for $529/month over 36 months, with $4,528 due at signing. Both deals expire on November 3, 2025, so time is running out to take advantage of them.
If you’d prefer not to lease a Toyota Highlander, financing at 5.99% APR is also available for the 2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, based on a 72-month period. These deals expire at the same time and are available in the same states, but apply to five (Highlander) or eight (Highlander Hybrid) trims, so there are more options if you go the financing route.
Toyota Highlander Powertrains and Features
Toyota
The non-hybrid Highlander has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The LE comes with either front- or all-wheel drive, along with an eight-speed automatic.
If you go for the hybrid, you get a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and three electric motors; this setup results in 243 hp combined. Unlike on the non-hybrid model, an electronic on-demand AWD system is standard here, as is a CVT. Whereas the non-hybrid Highlander gets 25 mpg combined with FWD, the hybrid gets 35 mpg.
Toyota
The LE comes with the following standard features:
- LED projector headlights and foglights
- Seven-inch color LCD multi-information display
- Cloth seats with eight-way power driver’s seat
- Seating for eight occupants
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Eight-inch touchscreen display
- Six-speaker sound system
The only other model with a lease deal for October, the Hybrid XLE, adds additional features like second-row captain’s chairs (reducing the seating capacity to seven), SofTex upholstery with heated front seats, and a power moonroof.
Final Thoughts
Toyota
The Toyota Highlander has been overshadowed by the superior Grand Highlander, but it’s as reliable as three-row family crossovers get. Both models are quick enough, but the hybrid has far superior efficiency, which can help offset the higher monthly lease cost.Â
On the downside, Hyundai is offering a cheaper lease deal for the much newer and more premium-feeling Palisade. That deal starts at $409 per month, and the $3,999 due at signing undercuts the Toyota, too. It also comes with a brawnier V6 as standard.Â
Remember, Toyota still sells thousands of Highlanders per month, so it’s under less pressure to offer the best lease deals than many rivals are.
*Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog